Somalia and Djibouti Deepen Strategic Trade Ties Through High-Level Bilateral Engagement

As part of an official working visit to the Republic of Djibouti, the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hon. Mohamoud Adan Geesood, met with the Prime Minister of Djibouti, H.E. Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed. The meeting was also attended by Djibouti’s Minister of Commerce and Tourism, H.E. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh. The high-level discussion focused on strengthening economic cooperation and fostering trade partnerships between the two nations.

Focus Areas of the Meeting

The discussions between the two governments revolved around several key themes:

• Enhancing Bilateral Trade: Both parties expressed their commitment to promoting seamless trade flow across borders through joint infrastructure initiatives, streamlined customs procedures, and shared investment platforms.

• Private Sector Engagement: Emphasis was placed on facilitating business-to-business (B2B) dialogues and encouraging mutual investments in priority sectors such as logistics, fisheries, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

• Institutional Collaboration: The leaders underscored the need to develop formal cooperation mechanisms, including joint trade commissions and harmonized commercial laws, to enable more sustainable and transparent economic interaction.

• Tourism and Services: In support of post-pandemic recovery, both nations agreed to explore cross-border tourism packages and service industry collaboration to diversify economic growth.

Djibouti Commits to Supporting Somalia’s Progress

Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed commended Somalia for its continued strides in governance, security, and economic development. He reaffirmed Djibouti’s unwavering support for Somalia, stating that Djibouti stands ready to collaborate and assist Somalia in every sector, particularly in economic revitalization and regional integration.

He noted that Somalia’s increasing engagement in regional economic blocs and reforms in the trade sector reflect its commitment to becoming a stable and prosperous economic partner in the Horn of Africa.

Appreciation for Djibouti’s Strategic Role

Minister Mohamoud Adan Geesood extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Djibouti, under the leadership of H.E. President Ismail Omar Guelleh, for their consistent support toward Somalia’s peace, security, and reconstruction efforts. He praised Djibouti’s diplomatic leadership in regional affairs and acknowledged the country’s role in hosting Somali refugees, facilitating peace processes, and advocating for Somali interests at international forums.

Shared Vision for Regional Economic Integration

The meeting concluded with a shared vision of promoting long-term regional economic integration. Both parties agreed to pursue:

• The establishment of a Somalia–Djibouti Trade and Investment Council

• Joint participation in continental trade platforms such as AfCFTA

• Co-development of cross-border infrastructure, including dry ports and transit corridors

This renewed partnership is seen as a pivotal step in advancing the economic prosperity of both nations and fostering greater collaboration in the Horn of Africa.